Networks and Communications

Module aims

In this module you will have the opportunity to:

• Study the principles of computer networking
• Analyse and discuss the OSI & TCP/IP models
• Demonstrate how a network is designed based on specific requirements
• Familiarise yourself with the basic principles of computer security   

Learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of this module, you should be able to:

• define and classify the major concepts of Computer Networking
• design a computer network based on given requirements
• calculate important network metrics
• identify and analyse potential security risks   

Module syllabus

• Introduction to Networking Concepts
• The Application/Presentation/Session Layer
• The Transport Layer
• Network Security
• Practical Applications
• The Network Layer
• The Data Link Layer
• The Physical Layer
• Client/Server Programming
• Future Directions       

Teaching methods

The lectures will follow a Q&A approach, with the help of tools such as Mentimeter, which will allow you to participate actively during the classroom sessions. The module is backed up with unassessed, formative exercises, where you get to test your understanding of the material as it is taught.

One entire week is dedicated to practical applications of networking, with a "Bring Your Own Device" (BYOD) lab that takes place in-class, as well as an impromptu team exercise. You will also be given a variety of external resources, in addition to the official reading list, which will give you the opportunity to expand your knowledge beyond the core material taught.

The Piazza Q&A web service will be used as an open online discussion forum for the module.       

Assessments

There will be one coursework that contributes 15% of the mark for the module, plus a final written exam that contributes the remaining 85% of the marks.               
       
Part of the feedback comes from the in-class discussions and mentimeter Q&A. You will also receive electronic feedback on your coursework submission, approximately two weeks after submission.       

Reading list

Core

• Computer networking : a top-down approach / James F. Kurose, Keith W. Ross.

  Kurose, James F.,

  Seventh edition, global edition., Pearson,

• Computer networks

  Tanenbaum, Andrew S

  5th International, Pearson Education

Supplementary

• Computer networks a systems approach

  Peterson, Larry L.

  5th, Morgan Kaufmann/Elsevier

• Network security essentials : applications and standards /

  Stallings, William,

  Sixth edition., Pearson,

• Data and computer communications

  Stallings, Williams

  10th, Pearson Education

Background

• Computer networking and the Internet

  Halsall, Fred.

  5th ed., Harlow : Addison-Wesley

• Networks for computer scientists and engineers

  Zheng, Youlu.

  New York ; Oxford : Oxford University Press

• Guide to OSI and TCP/IP Models

  Alani, Mohammed M.

  Cham : Springer

• A guide to computer network security / Joseph Migga Kizza.

  Kizza, Joseph Migga,

  Third edition., Springer

• Guide to Computer Network Security

  Kizza, Joseph Migga

  4 ed., Springer International Publishing AG

• Understanding TCP/IP : a clear and comprehensive guide to TCP/IP protocols

  Dostálek, Libor, 1957-

  Birmingham, England : Packt Pub.

• Gray hat hacking : the ethical hacker's handbook /

  Regalado, Daniel,

  Fourth edition., McGraw-Hill Osborne,

• TCP/IP illustrated / Vol.1, The protocols

  Stevens, W. Richard.

  Reading, Mass ; Wokingham : Addison-Wesley

• TCP/IP illustrated. Vol.2, The implementation

  Stevens, W. Richard.

  Reading, Mass. ; Wokingham : Addison-Wesley

• TCP/IP illustrated. Vol.3, TCP for transactions, HTTP, NNTP, and the UNIX domain protocols

  Stevens, W. Richard.

  Reading, Mass. ; Wokingham : Addison-Wesley

• Where wizards stay up late : the origins of the Internet

  Hafner, Katie.

  London : Pocket

Module leaders

Dr Konstantinos Gkoutzis